BY DARLENE DENSTORFF
FESTIVAL
yearās Jambalaya Festival different from past fests, but organizers say the stars of the show wonāt change.
āWeāre still cooking jambalaya and having the best band lineup weāve ever had,ā said Jambalaya Festival Association President Mike Gonzales, a former cooking champ.
The festival, which began in 1968 on Burnside Avenue in downtown Gonzales, is moving to Lamar-Dixon Expo Center from its longtime location along Irma Boulevard, and admission will be charged for the ļ¬rst time in the festivalās history
āItās something weāve been talking about for a long time, and lots of things went into the decision,ā Gonzales said.
āThis year, weāre doing it. There will be lots of parking and air-conditioned music venues.ā
Gonzales said availability to the space used for carnival rides and the possibility of losing eight cooking stations due to construction in the cooking area forced
to see what the young cooks produce. Theyāll cook ļ¬ve pounds of rice using a propane burner instead of the larger pot-dishes prepared over wood fire by older cooks.
For the main cooking contest, cooks prepare 25 pounds of chicken and 10 pounds of rice for the preliminary round; 37.5 pounds of chicken and 15 pounds of rice in the semiļ¬nals; and 50 pounds of chicken and 20 pounds of rice in the ļ¬nals. And all is cooked over a wooden ļ¬re.
late Tee Wayne Abshire, a former cooking champ. His love of cooking was born as a youth when heād cook the squirrels and rabbits he hunted with his cousin.
āThe rule was we had to eat what we killed, so my dad would help us cook what we shot,ā he said.
All cooks are given the same ingredients ā yellow onions, garlic, green onions, red pepper Red Hot Sauce, bell peppers, celery salt, black pepper and cooking oil.
them to start looking for another location
āYou wonāt have to park at Rouses and walk on Cornerview to get to the festival,ā Gonzales added. āYou wonāt have to search for parking.ā
Admission is $5 on Friday and Sunday and $10 on Saturday A three-day pass is $15 and Thursday is free. Children under 12 are admitted free.
The jambalaya cook-
ing contests start Friday at 8 a.m. and the mini-pot Champ of Champs contest is at 6 p.m.
Saturday, a new contest for ages 12 to 17 starts at 1 p.m. The ļ¬nal heats of the ļ¬rst round of cooking starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, and the Champ of Champs cooking contest kicks off at 2 p.m.
The mini-pot contest is from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Gonzales said heās excited
The new cooking stalls will be under Barn 6 Gonzales said the larger covered cooking area will mean cooks wonāt get wet if a thunderstorm rolls through, a common occurrence during hot May days. Thatās something reigning champ Tyler Billingsly is looking forward to.
āIt will be more comfortable for the cooks, with more space for us to go in and out,ā Billingsly said. āDefinitely more convenient.ā
Billingsly who owns Tee Wayneās Cajun Cooking, learned how to cook jambalaya from mentor the
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few years. The products carried in the store are the same and the layout is similar āWhen we ļ¬rst started the conversation about this, people thought āOh, is it going to be a super Aldi?ā,ā Moore said āBut we were like āNo, we want the experience to be pretty similar.āā The Prairieville Aldi is about 13,000 square feet, roughly the same size as the typical area store. Thatās about half of the space the Winn-Dixie store took up. Plans are to lease out the remaining space, Moore said. Along with being smaller, the Aldi stores donāt have amenities found at WinnDixie such as fresh meat and seafood departments. But the stores have lower costs because of the limited inventory and features like self-bagging and asking customers to put down a 25-cent
deposit on shopping carts.
Itās all about technique and the taste and texture of the rice. Thatās how itās been since the beginning when a non-Gonzales native wanted to ļ¬nd a way to promote the city. A committee was formed to get the festival up and running. They got the governor to proclaim Gonzales the āJambalaya Capital of the World.ā
That first festival had 13 cooks and this yearās festival has more than 90 cooks signed up, the largest number since the festival returned after a two-year break during the COVID pandemic.
Another addition this year is multiple food vendors sell-
ing Louisiana favorites. In the past, festivalgoers could choose from jambalaya and carnival treats, Gonzales said. In addition to jambalaya, the festival is known for its band lineup, and Gonzales promises this yearās music includes some of the best around, including Saturday nightās performance by Easton Corbin. Musicians will perform on two airconditioned stages with the Swamp Pop stage inside the Trade Mart building and other musical genres inside the Rev center The festival also features carnival rides, an expanded vendor area, car show, pageant, and 5K and 1-mile run. The World Champion Jambalaya title announcement is expected after 6:30 p.m. Sunday Organizers are encouraging festivalgoers to enter the festival through Edenborne Parkway For a complete schedule of events, visit www.jambalayafestival.net/copy-of-fullevent-schedule.
Email Darlene Denstorff at ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com
About 15 employees from the Prairieville Winn-Dixie have gone to work at Aldi, either at the new store or at the companyās other area locations, Moore said. Converted Winn-Dixie stores have already opened in Amite and Metairie. A former Winn-Dixie store in Zachary will reopen as an Aldi later this summer, Moore said. Next week, Aldi will start on another conversion.
The chain bought a former Big Lots store in Denham Springs that will be converted over the summer The plan is to open in the fall, Moore said. Around the same time, a new store in Gonzales at the intersection of Airline Highway and Burnside Lane will open. Moore said she doesnāt know yet how many local Winn-Dixies will eventually be rebranded as Aldi stores. According to the Winn-Dixie website, there are 15 locations in south Louisiana.
Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125
ADVOCATE STAFF FILE PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS
Michael Stafford, right, pours lighter fluid onto the fire pit while cooking jambalaya with Chaz Haydel during Jambalaya Festival in Gonzales last year
Customers enter the new Aldi store.
Aldi employee Santi Campanella smiles while working a register at the new location.
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Customers shop in the new Aldi store on Thursday in Prairieville.
Ascension ProStart students shine at seafood invitational
Community news report
Ascension public school students are being honored for ātaking home the cakeā at this yearās Louisiana Seafood ProStart Invitational, hosted by the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation.
The Ascension Parish ProStart team won ļ¬rst place in the BRG Culinary Competition.
Held in the spring each year, the Louisiana ProStart Invitational is a two-day competition where ProStart students from across the state showcase their mastery of both culinary and management skills.
In the culinary competition, teams must demonstrate their creative abilities by designing a three-course gourmet menu and preparing it in 60 minutes. Teams are judged on taste, organization, menu costs, knife skills and proper sanitation methods.
The teamās winning dish featured a beef ļ¬let with sweet potato purĆ©e, blackberry balsamic agrodolce and root vegetables.
āIt showcased their ability to balance ļ¬avors, execute precise culinary techniques, and present
a restaurant-quality dish under competition pressure,ā a news release said.
The Ascension Parish ProStart Program is a Center of Excellence housed at Dutchtown High School, taught by Traci Hymel. The program provides students
from all five parish public high schools with the opportunity to gain hands-on culinary and hospitality industry experience.
The winning team members included: ā¢ Olivia Jarreau: Dutchtown High School, Louisiana State
PROVIDED PHOTO
ProStart Student of the Year 12th grade. She also won ļ¬rst place in the individual cake decorating competition. n Caroline Palmer: Prairieville High School, 12th grade n Brea Bailey: St. Amant High School, 12th grade
n Ty Landaiche: Dutchtown High School, 12th grade
n Esther Chen: Dutchtown High School, 12th grade
āWe are very proud of our Ascension ProStart students for their accomplishments at the ProStart Competition,ā said Ronda Matthews, supervisor of Career and Technical Education.
āThese students have demonstrated their ability to apply classroom knowledge and skills in a competitive setting. Their potential for success in a culinary career is evident, and we are pleased to offer real-world opportunities such as this to all students in Ascension Parish.ā
As a result of their performance, Ascension ProStart team will advance to the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, first- through fourth-place winning teams from each of the two events at LPSI are awarded more than $800,000 in scholarship opportunities to pursue careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry
For more information about the ProStart Program, visit, AscensionSchools.org/CareerTechnicalEducation.
Dutchtown High students practice real world expenses
Community news report
Real-world expenses come at students quickly and Dutchtown High School is working to prepare them by letting them make mistakes.
When a student ļ¬rst graduates from high school, they are immediately impacted by ļ¬nancial responsibilities such as credit cards, insurance, car loans and cellphone payments.
Too often students donāt appreciate the fast-paced, high-impact consequences of not planning and monitoring these expenses But thanks to a grant from the Ascension Fund, Dutchtown Business Math students were able to do just that.
Business Math teacher Mark Dubreuil used the grant money to license the Budget Challenge sys-
tem for nearly 40 students. These students then created a virtual account which required budgeting for expenses, selecting benefits from a job, making internet banking payments on time, and suffering the consequences of mistakes such as fees and potential repossessions.
While students were reminded during the beginning of the project to check their emails and bill notices, they were eventually left to their own devices which resulted in only three students maintaining a successful ļ¬nancial standing and receiving certificates: DeāAntay Spikes, Remi Bourque and Luke Villermin.
Students who encountered lapses in their activity would lament about fees and notices they were receiving Instead of students being
pushed into experiencing these realities when there are lifelong repercussions, the Budget Challenge project allowed them to practice and learn from their mistakes safely Funds for this grant were provided by the Rotary Club of East Ascension in memory of Sgt. Jay Ryan Gauthreaux through the Ascension Fund. The Ascension Fund is a nonprofit organization established in 1991 by the Gonzales Rotary Club as an instrument for private sector leaders to invest directly in the work of individual teachers and schools through grants for innovative ideas and programs in Ascension Parish public schools.
Teacher Grants of $500 or $1,000 and School Impact Grants of $2,500 are awarded on an annual competitive basis.
Area business offers scholarships
Community news report
The Storage Center, a Louisiana-based self-storage company, is accepting applications for its Space to Succeed Scholarship
The program will award three $5,000 scholarships to college students who have shown exceptional leadership, personal growth and a strong commitment to community service, a news release said
Any student 18 years and older who will be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the fall of 2025 is eligible, and the
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at 10 a.m.; and in Dutchtown on Saturday, May 31, at 10 a.m. The Red River Bank frozen treat truck will also make a special appearance at the Dutchtown library
The kickoff party at the Study Commons at the Wag Center will be at 10 a.m Friday, May 30. It coincides with the sheriffās ofļ¬ce summer celebration, where there will be a mobile video gaming theater, food and the ļ¬re department will keep kids cool with help from their pumper truck Ascension Pride Festival planned
Plans are underway for Ascension Parish Pride Fest set for June 21 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.
Organizers are seeking volunteers and vendors are for this inaugural event. Sponsorships are available by email at ascensionparishpride@gmail.com or by visiting the event page.
Proceeds from the event will be used to host the festival which will provide āentertainment and programming that reļ¬ect and celebrate our diverse community,ā organizers said.
Cocktail Trail opens
The Louisiana Sweet Spot Cocktail Trail is open through July 31 at participating bars and restaurants.
Order a Sweet Spot Cocktail, receive a stamp on your trail passport, collect eight stamps and turn your passport in for a chance to win prizes
Passports are available at the Ascension Tourism ofļ¬ce in Sorrento, at participating businesses or visit visitlasweetspot.com/ cocktailtrail.
Community Sisterhood STEM camp set
Community Sisterhoodās Summer 2025
STEM Camp registration is underway.
The camp is set for June 9-13 at First Pilgrim Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Geismar
The cost is $85. To regis-
deadline to apply is May 31. The Space to Succeed Scholarship is an annual award to support altruistic students as they pursue their career dreams through education.
Students interested in applying for The Space to Succeed Scholarship should submit a 500 to 800-word essay that highlights their commitment to community service and explains how their education will help them continue and expand their impact.
To learn more about the Scholarship, visit thestoragecenter.com/self-storage/scholarship.
ter, visit www.paypal.com/ncp/ payment/5DEEYZASL7XDG.
Dutchtown High Cheer mini camp
Pajama Party is the theme of Dutchtown Highās Cheer Mini Camp set for May 27-30 at the school gym.
Children ages 4 and older are invited to register by May 23 for the camp, which costs $80. To register, visit tinyurl.com/dthscheerminicamp2025.
A portion of all proceeds from the camp will be donated to St. Jude Childrenās Research Hospital. For more information, emailmichelle.bogan@apsb.org.
Farmers market Saturday
Pick up fresh produce, crafts and other goods at the Highway 621 Outdoor Market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at 39275 La. 621 in Gonzales. For information, visit www.facebook. com/Hwy621OutdoorMarket.
Financial Wellness workshop at library
The Ascension Parish Libraryās Dutchtown branch will host āFinancial Wellness: Credit Score Breakdownā at 6 p.m. May 22. Learn some tools to take control of your ļ¬nancial health. A representative from Pelican State Credit Union will provide information about credit scores, credit reports, and strategies for improving your ļ¬nancial standing. To register, call (225) 673-8699.
Donaldsonville leaders looking for volunteers
The city of Donaldsonville is seeking applicants to serve on a strategic planning committee to prepare the city for industrial development on the westbank. For an application or more information, call (225) 473-3168 or email gjohnson1@donaldsonville-la.gov
Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday
Dutchtown High winning Prostart team, from left, includes
instructor Traci Hymel, Caroline Palmer, Esther Chen, Brea Bailey, Olivia Jarreau and Ty Landaiche.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Dutchtown High students, from left, Remi Bourque, Luke Villermin and DeāAntay Spikes display the Budget Challenge certificates they received after successfully completing the program.
Community news report
Dutchtown High Class of 2025 held commencement May 16 at Grifļ¬n Field.
The class was led by valedictorians Avery Geraci, Lillian LaBorde and Kevin Lu; and salutatorian Tri Nguyen. Geraci, 17, participated in band, swimming and powerlifting, and took 13 honors courses, seven Advanced Placement classes and six dual enrollment courses. She plans to study mechanical engineering at Louisiana Tech University
LaBorde earned a 33 ACT score and a 4.8158 GPA Since elementary school, she has been part of the Talented and Gifted program, showcasing her artistic talents in various art shows She participated in the Beta Club and National Honor Society Through the Early College Option program, she earned an Associate of Science degree in biological sciences while in high school.
Looking ahead, LaBorde is committed to attending LSU to pursue a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to attend medical school, aspiring to integrate her engineering background into a future medical career Kevin Lu, the son of Liangdong Lu and Jin Yun Yang, was a member of Rho Kappa Honor Society National Art Honor Society, Youth and Government Club, Spanish Club and participated in youth legislature and district literary rally He had 11 Advanced Placement classes and graduates with an AP Scholar of Distinction.
He plans to attend the University of Chicago for political science and economics. Hopes to continue education in graduate or law school.
Nguyen, son of Tuan Nguyen and Kim Tran, was a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, Be the Change Club, Mu Alpha Theta and Rubikās Cube Club His passion for technology and innovation was evident in his role as co-vice president of the Robotics Club, where he helped foster creativity and problem-solving among his peers. He devoted over 100 service hours to his community, volunteering at his local hospital and tutoring fellow students to support their academic growth. He earned Advanced Placement Scholar award from College Board and a local scholarship from BASF He will study electrical engineering at LSU.
East Ascension Class of 2025 graduates
Community news report
East Ascension Highās Class of 2025 graduated during a May 15 ceremony at Spartan Stadium.
Leading the class were valedictorians Jaden Stallard and Claire Delaney and salutatorian Allen Bui.
Stallard is the granddaughter of Jodie Stallard and Lawrence Stallard. While in high school, Stallard participated in the BETA club while also being dualenrolled in the Early College Option program with River Parishes Community College. She graduated with an associateās degree in humanities and plans to attend University of Louisiana at Lafayette to pursue a degree in forensic science. Delaney, the daughter of Chris and Amie Delaney was a student of the year ļ¬nalist and member of the BETA club, in which she served as an event coordinator She was a varsity soccer and cross-country athlete. Delaney participated in the Spanish Club and served as a senior mentor Additionally, she volunteered her time as a religion teacher at St. Markās Catholic Church. Delaney plans to attend LSU on a Flagship Scholars Resident Award scholarship to pursue her medical degree to become a psychiatrist. Bui, the son of Minh Anh Tran and Thanh Bui, was a member of the National Honor Society He plans to study mechanical engineering at LSU.
